This online course is ideal preparation for students thinking of studying maths, engineering, and related subjects at university, exploring a range of academic theory and practical methods.

Course Summary

This course includes:

4 X Interactive Tutorials

Online quizzes and exams

Access to the course discussion forum

Course worksheets and case studies

ORA Certificate of completion

Overview

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most exciting subject areas within engineering. It is the study of the design and manufacture of all mechanical objects that we use in our daily lives, from the smallest nanobot to the biggest jumbo jet. From the earliest archaeological records of the existence of mankind, there is evidence that man has been utilising tools to aid in the tasks that an individual could not perform alone. As humans have evolved, so has the technology that they use. Tools and machines are now a vital part of everyday life – the recent rapid explosion of technology means that mechanical engineers are forever facing new exciting challenges, developing systems that work in the most extreme environments from the coldest winters of the Arctic to the vacuum of outer space.

The diverse range of projects that a mechanical engineer could work on mean that this is one of the most inspiring subjects to study at university and one of the most thrilling to pursue as a career. This mechanical engineering course will introduce you to the study of these machines and how the work of a mechanical engineer is fundamental to the design, production, and operation of the tools and machines that enable us to live as we do, with particular focus on the mathematical and physical rules that govern the mechanical world.

This tutorial takes a look at mechanical engineering within its wider engineering context and explores its differences and similarities to the physical sciences and mathematics. It will define the discipline of engineering before considering what types of work an engineer is likely to be involved in. The tutorial will end with some brief practical advice on studying engineering at university.

This tutorial explores the idea of applying physical laws to real world problems which is, in essence, the job of a mechanical engineer. By analysing the forces that objects are subject to using Newton’s laws of motion, you will learn how to identify whether that object will move and, if so, in which direction and how quickly.

This tutorial will continue with the theme of forces. The previous tutorial will have taught you about external forces, whereas this tutorial will focus on internal forces. Internal forces, when acting upon an object in the wrong way, can cause it to break and become unsafe. The mechanical engineer needs a firm grasp of these forces in order to design tools and machines that are not subject to the detrimental effects that these internal forces can have upon an object.

This final tutorial will explore engineering fluids and how they behave differently to engineering solids. This is extremely useful as it allows, for example, oil to lubricate a bearing, steam to drive a turbine, and blood to flow through our arteries. It will take a look at how engineering fluids behave and the implications of this when fluids flow over and around solid objects.

Key Details

Course Pre-requisites

Advanced level of EnglishAn interest and enthusiasm for science and the human body This course would suit students studying towards A-level physics or maths, and in particular those interested in university study of Engineering.

Course Level

For students applying to university to study Engineering or related subjects

Difficulty

Moderate

Prior Knowledge

It is recommended that students be studying towards A-Level Mathematics or equivalent to take this course.
Students should have a keen interest for learning how machines work.

understand what distinguishes mechanical from other branches of engineering

understand the fundamental scientific and mathematic laws that govern the movement of objects, and how these work in practice

gain an insight into solid and fluid mechanics

understand the key equations and scientific theorems that all Mechanical Engineers must know

discuss the differences between solid and fluid mechanics

understand the key steps that all Mechanical Engineers must take when planning a project

Course Author

Paul Harrington

Paul Harrington has a rich background in mechanical engineering, having worked and studied in the UK, Canada and New Zealand. Paul is currently finding inspiration by applying engineering principles to solve clinical problems for the NHS.

Oxford Royale Academy is a part of Oxford Programs Limited, UK company number 6045196. The company contracts with institutions including Oxford University for the use of their facilities and also contracts with tutors from those institutions but does not operate under the aegis of Oxford University.

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